Short-term residence permit steps: applying on the basis of property, documents and deadlines

2026-10-08 · Author: Grand Emlak

Foreigners buying a home in Antalya often ask whether the title deed brings a residence permit.

This article explains the short-term permit from the law and the Migration Management's own document list.

When is a residence permit needed?

Under Article 19 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, foreigners who will stay in Türkiye longer than their visa or visa exemption allows, or longer than ninety days, must obtain a residence permit; a permit not used within six months loses its validity. Article 30 lists six permit types, the first being the short-term residence permit. Source: Turkish Legislation Information System – Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, accessed 08.10.2026

Short-term permit on the basis of property ownership

Article 31(1)(b) lists "those who own immovable property in Türkiye" among the foreigners who may be granted a short-term residence permit; each permit may be issued for at most two years at a time. Paragraph six, added in 2024, provides that the nature and value of the property on which the permit is based are determined by the Ministry. Article 32 further requires documenting the ground, accommodation meeting general health and safety standards, a criminal record certificate if requested, and the address in Türkiye. Source: Turkish Legislation Information System – Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, accessed 08.10.2026

According to the Migration Management's document list, for the property ground you submit a copy of the title deed showing the home belongs to the applicant, and its value at acquisition must be at least the lira equivalent of 200,000 US dollars; it must be a residence used by the foreigner for that purpose, not for rental or similar income. Shared ownership with family members needs proof of family ties, homes acquired by inheritance or gift a current valuation report, first applications a numbering certificate from the municipality and extensions a title continuation certificate. Source: e-İkamet (Presidency of Migration Management) – required documents, accessed 08.10.2026

Common documents

Every short-term application includes the application form, copies of the passport's identity and visa pages (original at the appointment), two recent biometric photographs on a white background, receipts for the fee and card cost, and a declaration of sufficient and regular means. First-time applicants who entered under a visa exemption also pay the single-entry visa fee; nationals of fee-exempt countries pay only the card cost. Source: e-İkamet (Presidency of Migration Management) – required documents, accessed 08.10.2026

Health insurance must cover the requested period; a bilateral social security document, an SGK provision document, a general health insurance application document or a private health insurance policy is accepted. According to the Migration Management's FAQ, there is no insurance obligation under 18 or over 65, and for short-term permits the foreigner's declaration of means suffices unless the administration asks for documents. Source: e-İkamet (Presidency of Migration Management) – required documents, Presidency of Migration Management – residence FAQ, accessed 08.10.2026

For the address you submit a current residence certificate from e-Devlet together with an electricity, water, gas or landline bill, or a subscription contract for new subscribers; if you live in your own home, a copy of the title deed with the numbering certificate. Extension applications also require a UETS electronic notification address document from PTT. Source: e-İkamet (Presidency of Migration Management) – required documents, accessed 08.10.2026

Application steps

The application is made online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr under "I am applying for a residence permit for the first time"; on the chosen appointment day you go to the provincial migration directorate with the required documents, and if the application is approved the card is sent to the address given. Booking an appointment is free; the fee and card cost are paid before the appointment date via the e-İkamet virtual POS, tax offices or contracted banks, and the fee amount is calculated by the system when the application is completed. Source: e-İkamet (Presidency of Migration Management), Presidency of Migration Management – residence FAQ, accessed 08.10.2026

The application document issued on the appointment day of a first application, together with the fee receipts, allows multiple exits and entries provided you return within fifteen days each time. Fixed fees are updated each year by the revaluation rate; for 2026 the Fees Law General Communiqué No. 98 set this increase at 18.95%. Source: Presidency of Migration Management – residence FAQ, Official Gazette – Fees Law General Communiqué No. 98, accessed 08.10.2026

Duration, extension and cancellation

Under Article 23, a residence permit is issued for sixty days less than the passport's validity; under Article 24, an extension is applied for at the governorate from sixty days before expiry and in any case before the permit expires, and the applicant may stay in Türkiye with a fee-free document until a decision is made. Under Article 33 the permit is refused or cancelled if a condition ceases to be met, the permit is used for a purpose other than that granted, or a deportation or entry ban decision exists. Source: Turkish Legislation Information System – Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, accessed 08.10.2026

Legislation and practice may change; check the Migration Management's current list and confirm with a lawyer before applying.

How Grand Emlak helps

Grand Emlak's advisers help prepare the title deed, numbering certificate and subscription documents in the form the residence file requires.

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